CN102339372B

CN102339372B - Image forming device and image forming method

Info

Publication number: CN102339372B
Application number: CN201110246750.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 小仓义弘
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-07-16
Filing date: 2011-07-15
Publication date: 2015-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2031-07-15
Also published as: EP2407878A1; US20120017199A1; JP5585257B2; CN102339372A; JP2012022621A; US8640102B2

Abstract

The invention relates to removal of program licensed to a user. An image forming apparatus includes a program storing unit, a function introducing unit to obtain a program licensed to an individual user and license information about the program from an external source and to store the program in the program storing unit, a user information storing unit to store user information that includes the license information about the program that is stored by the function introducing unit, the license information being associated with a user ID of the individual user in the user information, a removal timing receiving unit to receive a setting of removal timing at which the program stored by the function introducing unit is removed from the program storing unit, and a removal unit to remove the program stored by the function introducing unit from the program storing unit upon arrival of the removal timing received by the removal timing receiving unit.

Description

Image processing system and image forming method

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to license has been installed to the image processing system of the program of user, and particularly relate to image processing system, device systems, procedure management method and manage and control the program of the timing for deleting installation function.

Background technology

Embedded signal conditioning package is provided to the equipment item of such as duplicating machine, scanner, printer, facsimile recorder (FAX) and the Multi Role Aircraft (also referred to as MFP) providing these functions and so on.The performance that can be used as the CPU of this signal conditioning package is strengthening always.And, become and can use mass storage at a low price.

Further, networking has graduated into the pattern using this equipment item.Replace in equipment item, storing application program sell in advance, the sales mode substituted has become available, and in the sales mode substituted, user is purchase applications as required, and installs this program via this application program of web download.

Application program is mounted to equipment item to manage according to whether having license (use authority) to carry out and control, thus prevents unwarranted use.The essence of license is license key, and it gives user when legal purchase applications.User inputs this license key when mounted, thus is allowed to install this application program to equipment.

Information about the equipment item with use authority can be registered in permit server with management and control license.In this case, user installation application program, and, then access permission server in use, thus the certification of request permit server execute permission.Once success identity, user can use the application program in this equipment.

But in this License Management, authentic target is only the equipment item (that is, the sequence code that this equipment is exclusive) of mounted application program.

Compare, have the license of another kind of type, being called license of floating, by this license of floating, the existence of license/lack is managed by the number of installed application program and controls.In floating license, the maximum number of license pre-determines when import admission contract.As long as the number of application program is no more than maximum license number, this application program can be mounted to multiple equipment item, and installation targets is not restricted to particular device item.

In some cases, can be preferably based on unique individual instead of based on particular device item or utilize maximum license number to manage and control license.In the example of image processing system, this situation may correspond in a kind of situation, wherein: personal user buys the application program (that is, utility routine) made by third party seller and this application program is installed in the equipment item that user uses in his/her office.Tissue or department all do not buy this application program, but personal user has bought and installed this application program.Only this user can suitably be allowed to use this application program.Hereinafter, the application program license of specific user is referred to as the license of link user.

The application program can bought by personal user comprises: from simple counter with for providing various types of gadgets of some functions to being used for screen, operating process etc. being modified as unique content registered separately to provide the scope of the application program of outward appearance or the better operability revised.

When the application program of permitting when needing unique individual, user may wish not only in the equipment installing application program, to use this application program, and wishes to use this application program in the miscellaneous equipment that may use user.Such as, user may carry out work in period of going on business or temporarily carry out work at the floor being different from user place floor.In this case, by the License Management performed on particular device item basis, user may need to delete corresponding function (namely from the equipment having installed this application program, return license), further, then, new in the equipment temporarily just used user this application program is installed.

Summary of the invention

The general object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a kind of image processing system, and this device essence eliminates the one or more problems caused by the restriction of correlation technique and shortcoming.

In one embodiment, a kind of image processing system, in this image processing system, allow to activate the program that function is provided according to License Info, described License Info represents that the user of active program is authorized to carry out active program, this image processing system comprises: log in receiving unit, logs in for accepting user; Program storage unit (PSU), for storage program; Function introduces unit, for securing permission from external source to the specific program of unique user and the License Info about described specific program, and for being saved in program storage unit (PSU) by described specific program; User information storage unit, for preserving user profile, this user profile comprises the License Info about being introduced the specific program that unit is preserved by function, and described License Info is associated with the user ID of the unique user in user profile; Deleting timing receipt unit, for receiving the setting of deleting timing, according to described deletion timing, from program storage unit (PSU), deleting the specific program preserved by function introducing unit; And delete cells, for when being arrived by the deletion timing of deleting the reception of timing receipt unit, from program storage unit (PSU), delete the specific program being introduced unit preservation by function.

Embodiment there is provided a kind of image processing system, a kind of device systems, a kind of procedure management method and a kind of program according at least one, can controlling the timing for deleting the application program in license type, it manages based on unique individual and controls license.

Accompanying drawing explanation

When reading following detailed description by reference to the accompanying drawings, from following detailed description, other object and the further feature of embodiment are clearly, wherein:

Fig. 1 describes to install about equipment and to delete the figure of profile of application program;

Fig. 2 is the figure of the embodiment describing device systems;

Fig. 3 is the figure of the embodiment of the hardware configuration describing image processing system;

Fig. 4 is the block scheme of a kind of embodiment of the function describing image processing system;

Fig. 5 A to 5C is the figure describing user profile embodiment;

Fig. 6 is the figure of the acquisition for explaining license;

Fig. 7 is the accompanying drawing that timing (timing) is described, according to this timing, image processing system upgrades the link License Info in user profile;

Fig. 8 is the figure describing the embodiment being performed to upgrade the process of user profile by image processing system, its;

Fig. 9 is the process flow diagram describing the embodiment being performed the process to upgrade user profile by user profile updating block;

Figure 10 is the figure of the automatic introducing schematically illustrating function;

Figure 11 is the process flow diagram describing the process automatically introduced;

Figure 12 is the figure of the relation described between user profile and function screen;

Figure 13 is the process flow diagram describing the embodiment being performed the process to produce a function screen by screen generation unit;

Figure 14 is the figure of the relation described between user profile and function screen;

Figure 15 is the figure describing the guiding behavior performed by guide;

Figure 16 is the process flow diagram describing the embodiment being performed the process to produce function screen by screen generation unit;

Figure 17 A and 17B is the figure of the state of devices illustrated item;

Figure 18 is the figure of the embodiment described for arranging the screen for the automatically timing of delete function;

Figure 19 schematically illustrates the figure deleting timing;

Figure 20 is the figure of the deletion timing described when multiple user has the license for identical function;

Figure 21 is the figure describing a kind of embodiment of deleting timing indicator;

Figure 22 describes to perform automatically delete one by the process flow diagram of the process of function automatically introduced by function delete cells;

Figure 23 is the figure of the deletion timing described when multiple user has the license for identical function;

Figure 24 A to 24C is the figure describing the embodiment of deleting timing indicator;

Figure 25 describes the process flow diagram being performed the process automatically to delete introducing function automatically by function delete cells;

Figure 26 is the figure describing the embodiment receiving the screen deleting time set;

Figure 27 is the figure describing the embodiment of deleting timing indicator;

Figure 28 describes to perform automatically delete the process flow diagram that introduces the process of function automatically by function delete cells;

Figure 29 describes the process flow diagram being performed the process to upgrade deletion timing indicator by function delete cells;

Figure 30 is the figure of a kind of embodiment describing the conversion of deleting timing indicator;

Figure 31 A and 31B is a kind of embodiment describing screen, and by this screen, whether user just allows to arrange deletion timing indicator setting " not deleting ";

Figure 32 describes the process flow diagram being performed the process to upgrade deletion timing indicator by function delete cells;

Figure 33 is the figure of the embodiment of the screen describing the setting receiving the timing of deleting for second time;

Figure 34 describes to perform to attempt the process flow diagram that second time deletes the process of an automatic introducing function by function delete cells;

Figure 35 is a width figure, which schematically illustrates the operation of image processing system, and this image processing system adopts and logs in the consistent deletion timing of timing with another equipment item place.

Figure 36 describes to be performed by function delete cells with the process flow diagram of the process of delete function;

Figure 37 is the figure describing the embodiment receiving the screen deleting time set;

Figure 38 is the figure of the profile describing device systems;

Figure 39 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of a screen, and this screen receives the setting indicating the function number can introducing device systems;

Figure 40 is the figure of the embodiment describing device configuration information; And

Figure 41 is the process flow diagram of the process describing delete function.

Embodiment

When the License Management of unique individual, can arrange, make to log in (namely user, identification maneuver) time, license is given the application program of this login user by permit server identification, thus immediately this application program is arranged on (see patent documentation 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No 2008-047056) in the listed equipment of user.

Patent documentation 1 discloses a kind of application management method, and it detects the license whether having and be linked to user when user logs in, and when there is user and having the application program of license, application program is downloaded and be mounted in the listed equipment of this user.

Disclosed in patent documentation 1, technology automatically deletes this application program after user is finished the application program downloaded from another equipment item.Adopt this layout, can not adjust the timing (timing) of deleting this application program, this is inconvenient for user.When use user automatically delete this application program after this application program is logged off time, if likely within a period of time user frequently use this equipment, even if this use is temporary transient, also repeat install and delete action.

In some cases, by in order to temporarily use, the application program of listed user installation also may to permitting (such as by this application program registered in advance another user in the device, completed when buying this license and this user and this license are linked, but this application program is not yet mounted).

In this case, from the viewpoint in advance this application program being registered user in the device, this application program should keep installing and should not deleting.That is, the needs of this application program are installed when registered users logs in this equipment again and automatically delete the layout of this application program when logging off, operability and work efficiency may be reduced.

Below, be described by reference to the embodiment that have references to accompanying drawing for performing pattern of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a width figure, describes the summary of installing and deleting application program about equipment item 200.User aaaa uses equipment item 100 routinely, and temporarily uses equipment item 200.Equipment item 100 and equipment item 200 are electrically connected to permit server 400.

(1) user aaaa has and licensedly to permit " XX function " to the link of user aaaa." XX function " is a license, and its indicating user aaaa has the right to use " XX application program ".Even if XX application program is installed in equipment item 100, the user except user aaaa also cannot use XX application program.

(2) when sign in equipment item 200 along with user aaaa this need to occur time, the user ID of user aaaa is sent to permit server 400 and whether there is link license with inquiry by equipment item 200.Permit server 400 announcement apparatus item 200: user aaaa has link license " XX function ".

(3) equipment item 200 obtains about the XX application program of XX function and License Info from permit server 400 to install.Utilize this layout, when use is connected to the equipment item 200 of permit server 400, user aaaa just automatically can use this function giving link license.

(4) equipment item 200 of present embodiment receives instruction for deleting the setting of the timing of XX application program from user aaaa.This can install XX application program time, install after or user use this application program after carry out.This is one of feature of equipment item 200.

User aaaa can carry out the setting of equipment item 200 indicative of desired being deleted to timing, deletes, deletes in specific date and time when deletion when such as logging off, data change.In FIG, oval right hand side indicates the deletion timing arranged by user, so that user can use XX application program during corresponding to oval length.

In the manner described above, the equipment item 100 of present embodiment allows user to arrange timing to carry out delete function, and the link license had by adopting this individual subscriber, on specific user basis, this function is available.

Here, the term definition used in present embodiment will be provided." function " is the function being provided (that is, performing) by application program.In the disclosure, sometimes " function " can be used represent the thing identical with " application program ".The introducing of function refers to an action, and this action makes this function can be used in equipment item 100 by user.Introducing represents in fact with installation and activates identical thing, and only refers to when executed is installed activate.Activation refers to an action, by this action, confirms to have legal license, thus allows to use application program.

Application program can be different program.Application program comprises: such as counter, electronic calendar, schedule, Deng utility software, for the screen amendment software arranged according to specified modification screen color and icon, for carrying out the control object software of registered in advance setting about print conditions, the condition of scanning, fax addressee etc. to equipment item 100, and for providing the basic function software of copy function, scanner functions, facsimile function etc.

Term " link license " refers to the license of a type, and it allows user to use this function instead of equipment item to use this function.Term " link License Info " refers to the flesh and blood (such as, license key) linking license.In the present embodiment, this link License Info also specifies the title of this function.On the contrary, equipment item is allowed to use a class license of this function to be called as " ordinary license ".There is the function that user in addition to an arrangement need not buy.These functions are called as " acquiescence " function (for this " acquiescence " function, not giving License Info).

Only utilize an application program in essence, user cannot activate this application program.Only after License Info is registered in equipment item for linking of being associated with this application program, user can activate this application program.When this link License Info can accessed time, introduce this function and become possibility.

< overall arrangement >

Fig. 2 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of device systems 600.Equipment item 100 and equipment item 200 are connected to sales server 300, permit server 400 and management server 700 via network 500.Equipment item 100 and 200 is provided to one or more functions of such as printer function, scanner functions and facsimile function and so on.This equipment is sometimes referred to as MFP (multi-function peripheral).The equipment item 200 that user temporarily logs in can comprise the feature of present embodiment.Equipment item 100 can have the function identical with equipment item 200.That is, although conveniently explanation facilities item 100 and equipment item 200 can be described to different equipment item, they have identical functions.

Sales server 300 is used for selling function to user and equipment item 100.Permit server 400 is used for managing and control license to the function of user.In order to simplify explanation, permit server 400 is described as a server, and this server takes on a role function being introduced into the listed equipment item 100 of user.Alternately, the server storing function can be separated with permit server 400.Management server 700 manages and controls user.Management server 700 manages and controls to use the ID of all users and the password of this device systems 600.

Equipment item 200 temporarily uses a function by user.This function is introduced equipment item 200 automatically, so that this user can not only in equipment item 100 but also use the function of this purchase in equipment item 200.In this regard, the comparable ordinary license of link license is more effective.Owing to providing computing machine to equipment item 100 and 200, therefore can carry out specifying thus these equipment item to be also used as in sales server 300 and permit server 400 one or more.

Network 500 can be LAN, WAN (that is, VLAN, VPN etc.) or Internet.Network 500 can be wireless or wired.

Fig. 3 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of the hardware configuration of equipment item 100.The hardware of equipment item 100 comprises controller 130, guidance panel 125, fax control module (FCU) 126, image-generating unit 127 and print unit 128.

Controller 130 comprises CPU 114, ASIC 116, NB (north bridge) 115, SB (south bridge) 117, MEM-P (system storage) 111, MEM-C (local storage) 104, HDD (hard disk drive) 113, memory card slot 123, NIC (network interface controller) 118, USB device 119, IEEE 1394 equipment 121 and and jaws equipment 122.

CPU 114 is IC, for performing dissimilar information processing, and executed in parallel application program, platform and option bag on the basis connecing a process based on the OS of such as UNIX (registered trademark) and so on a process.ASIC 116 is one for the IC of image procossing.NB 115 is connected to the bridge between CPU 114 and ASIC 116.SB 117 is connected to the bridge between NB 115 and peripherals.ASIC 116 and NB 115 is connected to each other via AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port).

MEM-P 111 is the storeies being connected to NB 115.MEM-C 112 is the storeies being connected to ASIC 116.HDD 113 is the storeies being connected to ASIC 116, and is used for storing view data, document data, program, character font data, form data etc.HDD 113 stores various types of application program and program 131.

Memory card slot 123 is connected to SB 117, and receives the memory card 124 wherein arranging (that is, inserting wherein).Memory card 124 is flash memories of a such as USB storage and so on, and can be used to distribution program 131.Alternately, program 131 can be downloaded to equipment item 100 from server.

NIC 118 is controllers, and it performs data communication by using MAC Address etc. via network 500 grade.USB device 119 is used to provide the serial port consistent with USB.IEEE1394 equipment 121 is used to provide a serial port consistent with IEEE 1394.And jaws equipment 122 is used to provide a parallel port consistent with parallel port.NIC 118, USB device 119, IEEE 1394 equipment 121 and and jaws equipment 122 be connected to NB 115 and SB 117 via PCI (peripheral device component interconnection) bus.

Guidance panel 125 is used as hardware cell (operating unit), by this operating unit, user keys in one and inputs to equipment item 100, and guidance panel 125 is also used as hardware cell (display unit), by this display unit, equipment item 100 presents visual information to operator.Guidance panel 125 is connected to ASIC 116.FCU 126, image-generating unit 127 and print unit 128 are connected to ASIC 116 via PCI (peripheral device component interconnection) bus.

Fig. 4 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of example of the functional block of equipment item 100.Equipment item 100 comprises user authentication unit 11, function introducing unit 12, user profile updating block 13, screen generation unit 15, activation unit 16, function delete cells 18, deletes timing receipt unit 27, maximum number receiving element 25, logs in reporting unit 17 and second time deletion timing receipt unit 19, and all unit are implemented by the CPU 114 of executive routine.Equipment item 100 comprises the user profile 21 be stored in HDD 113, device configuration information 22 further and deletes timing indicator 26, and the function storage unit 23 also comprised by using HDD 113 to implement and assembly storage unit 24.

Following, each functional unit will briefly be described.The registration entries whether combination of the user ID that user authentication unit 11 inputs based on user and password is confirmed as in user profile 21 carrys out authenticated.When permitting not register in equipment item 200 to the function of login user, function is introduced unit 12 and is introduced this function from permit server 400.

User profile updating block 13 communicates with permit server 400, to upgrade the link License Info in user profile 21.

Screen generation unit 15 retrieves the icon linked with a function from assembly storage unit 24, so that the function screen illustrated on guidance panel 125 to show retrieved icon.Activate unit 16 automatic activation function.Function delete cells 18 deletes the function being introduced into equipment item 200.

Delete the setting that timing receipt unit 27 receives the deletion timing of being formulated by user.Maximum number receiving element 25 be received in preserve in device systems 600 can the setting of maximum number of memory function.Log in reporting unit 17 and perform multiaddress transmission to send login notice (that is, user ID), this login notice indicating user has signed in the equipment item in device systems 600.Consider that function delete cells 18 may the possibility of delete function, second time is deleted timing receipt unit 19 and is received the setting that second time deletes timing.

Function storage unit 23 is used for hold function (that is, application program).Assembly storage unit 24 is used for preserving the assembly of the icon and character and so on such as forming function screen.Delete timing indicator 26 on specific function basis, preserve deletion timing.

[user profile]

Fig. 5 A is a width figure, which schematically illustrates a kind of embodiment of user profile 21.In user profile 21, password is registered with link License Info and associates with each user ID.

-user ID is unique identification information, in order to log in object to equipment item 100 to identify user.

-password is the information for authenticated.Whether the combination based on the user ID that inputted by user when logging in and password matches with user ID and the registered combination of password that associates with user ID, user authentication unit 11 authenticated.Note, from the explanation accompanying drawing subsequently, omit the password in user profile 21.

-link License Info is the title (that is, License Info) of function, permits this function as mentioned above on specific user basis.

By by user ID and link License Info registered in advance, user can activate correlation function.

[device configuration information 22]

Fig. 5 B is a width figure, which schematically illustrates a kind of embodiment of device configuration information 22.In device configuration information 22, register the information about the function being introduced into equipment item 100.

License type is registered and is associated with each function of such as α function, β function, γ function, Σ function and so on.As previously mentioned, the instruction "-(acquiescence) " of license type indicates user and need not buy the corresponding function be separated with equipment item 100.Instruction " ordinary license " expression allows corresponding function to be used in equipment on the basis of particular device item.

By referring to device configuration information 22, audit function whether equipment can be introduced into.The function be not yet introduced into can be introduced as required.

[management information]

Fig. 5 C is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of the management information being managed by management server 700 and control.In management information, be each user registered user ID of device systems 600 and the combination of password.The management information of management server 700 is made for upgrading user profile 21 by equipment item 100 and 200.

In figure 5 c, link License Info is also described.Note, however, link License Info can be registered in management information.This is because link License Info easily can be obtained by user ID is carried out requirement permit server 400 as key by equipment item 100.But because management server 700 has link License Info, equipment item 100 need not access permission server 400, therefore reduces the processing time.

[buy function and upgrade License Management information]

Fig. 6 is a width figure, for explaining the acquisition of license.User aaaa and user bbbb activates browser to access sales server 300 by operation PC (personal computer: not shown).User aaaa and user bbbb inputs their respective user ID and wishes to select them the function bought from the feature list of such as " α function " and " β function " and so on.

The selection of browser receiving function, and send user ID and function title to sales server 300.In figure 6, describe a kind of non-limiting example, wherein user aaaa and user bbbb buys α function.User aaaa and user bbbb is paid by grace payment method (will omit it to explain), thus obtains the link License Info of α function.

The current version of α function is version 2, thus term " Ver2 " and then " α function " illustrate.In the present embodiment, the user having bought the link license of specific function is allowed to use this function, and regardless of its version.Thus, need not version of display.But the display of version as described allows user to know the version that user is just buying.When having issued ratio and having bought the feature release of version updating, do not require that user pays extra cost to use the function of this renewal version.

When selling function to user, sales server 300 send sell the title of function and user ID to permit server 400.Permit server 400 manages and controls License Management information.License Management information is formulated into and user ID is associated with each function.In figure 6, be α function register user aaaa and user bbbb.

By referring to License Management information, when user ID (or other can link to the information of login action arbitrarily) is identified, permit server 400 links to all functions of user with regard to identifiable design.Be different from ordinary license, will be distributed to PC by license key from permit server 400, in ordinary license, function is licensed gives equipment item 100 or 200.This is because, for permit server 400 identification equipment item, optional by user's import admission key.Equipment item 100 is had the ability with suitable timer access permit server 400 to introduce licensing function.

Below, in order to compare object, the description of ordinary license will be provided, by ordinary license to equipment item licensing function.When a function will be introduced into the equipment item of user's selection, when buying this function from sales server 300, permit server just issues license key.User's usage license key wishes the equipment of introducing function performs to introduce process user.When introducing, facility information (that is, identifying the serial ID etc. of this equipment) is delivered to permit server 400.Thus permit server 400 this mode that associates of license key and equipment item (that is, being introduced into each equipment item corresponding to each function of permitting) can manage and control license key.Therefore, even if when third party obtains license key, the arbitrary equipment except the equipment except having the serial numbering associated with license key prevents from use this application program.

[for upgrading the timing of user profile 21]

When user buys function or when user loses license, upgrade the License Management information in permit server 400.When running into this event, equipment item 100 needs to upgrade the link License Info in user profile 21.

Fig. 7 is a width figure, which illustrates timing, upgrades the link License Info in user profile 21 according to this timing device item 100.This timing comprises following three kinds of timings:

(1) after the electric power starting of equipment item immediately;

(2) during power-up state with constant interval; And

(3) when receiving the notice of the change in License Management information from permit server 400.

One or more in (3) of timing (1) are set in equipment item 100.The timing that equipment item 100 detects by arranging instruction arrives, thus access permission server 400.

Fig. 8 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment being performed the process upgrading user profile 21 by equipment item 100.In the user profile 21 of equipment item 100 before the update, not used for the link License Info of user aaaa and user bbbb, and be " β function " for this link License Info of user cccc.

On the other hand, according to the License Management information in permit server 400, " α function " is linked to user aaaa and user bbbb.Thus equipment item 100 needs to upgrade user profile 21.

Fig. 9 is a secondary process flow diagram, which illustrates a kind of embodiment being performed the process upgrading user profile 21 by user profile updating block 13.

User profile updating block 13 checks whether arrive (step S1) by arranging indicated timing.

When timing arrives (being yes in S1), all user ID in user profile 21 are sent to permit server 400 (S2) by user profile updating block 13.

Permit server 400 reads all functions (S3) linked with user ID.Such as, α function, α function and β function is read about user aaaa, user bbbb and user cccc respectively.

The function linked with user ID is sent to equipment item 100 (S4) by permit server 400.It may be noted that multiple function (that is, linking License Info) can be associated with unique user in the following manner.

User aaaa: α function

: β function

User bbbb: α function

User cccc: β function

: γ function

The function register that receives in user profile 21, thus makes this function be associated (S5) with user ID by user profile updating block 13.

Such as, α function register is link License Info by user profile updating block 13, thus this α function is associated with user aaaa and user bbbb.In this manner, License Info can be set for the user aaaa and user bbbb that just have purchased this function.

Be the link License Info for user cccc because β function is registered, therefore what user profile updating block 13 can not do to this information, or can cover this information.

In the manner described above, the link License Info about user ID can be registered in the user profile 21 in equipment item 100.

[the automatic introducing of function]

A kind of situation may be there is, in this case, the licensed function for link license to be not yet introduced in the listed equipment item 200 of user.Consider this point, equipment item 100 introduces function automatically in response to the login action of user.In order to automatically introduce function, may need to provide user profile 21 about login user to equipment item 100.There are two type mechanism, user profile 21 that by this mechanism, equipment item 100 obtains as follows (that is, upgrading).

(1) when the user in unregistered user profile 21 in equipment item 100 requires to log in, the user ID of the user that equipment item 100 request management server 700 provides request to log in and password.Utilize this layout, equipment item 100 can obtain user ID and password when user logs in.Further, this layout can save the resource at equipment item 100 place.

(2) equipment item 100 provides user ID and password with constant interval request management server 700.In this case, equipment item 100 can have the same subscriber ID and password that management server 700 has.Thus, when user asks to log in, equipment item 100 can start to introduce function, and not access management server 700.

Use in these mechanism which can be determined by keeper.No matter use in these mechanism which, the process automatically introduced is identical.To a kind of description of situation be provided, in this case, for the equipment item 200 in present embodiment and select mechanism (1).

Figure 10 is a width figure, which depict the automatic introducing of function.Figure 11 is a secondary process flow diagram, which illustrates the process automatically introduced.

User's logging device item 100 (S10).When so doing, user's input is for his/her user ID of logging in and password.

User authentication unit 11 checks whether the user ID inputted by user has been registered in (S20) in user profile 21.When user ID has been registered in user profile 21 (being yes in S20), this user of user authentication unit 11 certification (S60).

When user ID is not yet registered in user profile 21 (being no in S20), cannot understand fully the function whether introduced and correspond to link License Info, this link License Info is linked to user ID.Thus user authentication unit 11 obtains user ID and password to be registered to (S30) in user profile 21 from the management information management server 700.

User authentication unit 11 is based on the user ID obtained from management server 700 and cipher authentication user (S40).When success identity user, user profile updating block 13 obtains the link License Info corresponding to user ID from permit server 400, and this link License Info is registered to (S50) in user profile 21.In this manner, user ID, password and link License Info are registered in user profile 21.

Function is introduced unit 12 and is checked whether the user ID about login user have registered link License Info (S70) with reference to user profile 21.When not having registered relevant link License Info (being no in S70), introduce owing to need not perform automatic function, therefore process illustrated in fig. 11 terminates.

When there is registered relevant link License Info (being yes in S70), function is introduced unit 12 reference device configuration information 22 and is checked whether the function of link License Info has been introduced into (S80) in equipment item 100.

When this function has been introduced in equipment item 100 (being yes in S80), owing to need not introduce this function, therefore process illustrated in fig. 11 has terminated.

When this function is not yet introduced in equipment item 100 (being no in S80), function is introduced unit 12 pairs of permit servers 400 and is notified this function and ask to provide this function (S90).Responsively, permit server 400 sends this function and License Info.Function is introduced unit 12 and is utilized License Info that this function is introduced into equipment item 100 (S100).As a result, user can use this function.

After the above, function is introduced unit 12 and to be updated the equipment configuration information 22 (S110).By this renewal, device configuration information 22 is produced to mate this by the actual function being introduced into equipment item 100.

In the manner described above, equipment item 100 can introduce the function that user has had link license automatically.

When automatically introducing this function, equipment item 100 receives the instruction (S120) of deleting timing, and this is one of feature of the equipment item 100 of present embodiment.

[embodiment of user's license and display screen]

A kind of embodiment of display function screen will be described before timing is deleted in description.In order to the function providing this user to have link license to user, equipment item 100 display icon on function screen, this icon and user have the function linking License Info and are linked.Following function screen can be different with user's difference.

Figure 12 is a width figure, which illustrates the relation between user profile 21 and function screen.User aaaa and user bbbb does not have link License Info.User bbbb has " XX function ".User cccc has " YY function " and " ZZ function ".Here, " XX ", " YY " can be identical with each function title with " ZZ ".In this embodiment, the renewal of user profile 21 is carried out.

In fig. 12, " A icon ", " B icon " and " C icon " (rectangle without covering) are the icons of default feature.That is, no matter which user logs in, and all shows " A icon ", " B icon " and " C icon ".

When user aaaa logs in equipment item 100, because user aaaa does not link the fact of License Info, function screen shows " A icon ", " B icon " and " C icon ".

On the other hand, when user bbbb logs in equipment item 100, because user bbbb has the fact of the link License Info for " XX function ", therefore, except " the A icon ", " B icon " and " C icon " that show on function screen, also " XX icon " is shown.

These icons link with the application program be kept in function storage unit 23.Activate the icon that unit 16 is selected by user based on the operating position identification on guidance panel 125, and by reading application program to activate the application program with selected icon link from function storage unit 23.

Figure 13 is a secondary process flow diagram, which illustrates a kind of embodiment being performed to produce the process of function screen by screen generation unit 15.

User logs in (S210).With reference to user profile 21, screen generation unit 15 checks whether the user ID about this login user have registered link License Info (S220).

When linking License Info and being registered (being yes in S220), screen generation unit 15 reads the icon image (S230) of the function title corresponding to link License Info from the assembly storage unit 24 saving screen unit.

After this, screen generation unit 15 reads the icon image (S240) corresponding to this link License Info from the assembly storage unit 24 saving screen unit.Such as, this icon image is used for showing " XX icon ".

Return S220, link License Info may not yet be registered (being no in S220).In this case, the function corresponding to link License Info need not be provided.Thus screen generation unit 15 identifies default feature and corresponds to the function (S250) of ordinary license from device configuration information 22.These functions can be selected by user on function screen, and no matter whom user is.

Further, screen generation unit 15 reads the icon image (S260) corresponding to default feature and ordinary license function from the assembly storage unit 24 saving screen unit.

Screen generation unit 15 is then arranged in their respective positions, to produce function screen (S270) these icon images.

[variation]

Have nothing to do with the user logged in equipment item 100, the icon of all functions be introduced into can be shown.

Figure 14 is a width figure, which illustrates the relation between user profile 21 and function screen.In fig. 14, the description of the element identical with the element in Figure 12 will be omitted.In fig. 14, even if when login user is user aaaa, also show " XX icon ".Such as, when user aaaa presses " the XX icon " not linking the function of license corresponding to user aaaa, equipment item 100 can present message " due to not license, therefore you cannot use this function ".When this function screen, same operation screen can be used by any login user.When user bbbb press have " the XX icon " of function of link license corresponding to user bbbb time, equipment item 100 activates this XX function.

When equipment item 100 shows message above-mentioned, it can run the guide that prompting user buys link License Info.

Figure 15 is a width figure, which illustrates the guiding action performed by this guide.When pressing " in detail " button in Figure 14 as user aaaa, equipment item 100 show together message " you want to run the guide of the license buying XX function? " and button "Yes" and button "No".

User aaaa then knows that he/her needs to buy license in order to use " XX function ", and presses "Yes" button or "No" button afterwards.

When user presses "Yes", equipment item 100 opens this guide.In fig .15, equipment item 100 accesses aforementioned point of sales station with Presentation Function list.Utilize this layout, user can buy the license of " XX function ", and need not input the URL of this point of sales station.In this manner, when user wishes to use this function, the bootable user of equipment item 100 buys license.

Figure 16 is a process flow diagram, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of the process being performed to produce the function screen illustrated as Figure 14 by screen generation unit 15.User logs in (S210).

Screen generation unit 15 reference device configuration information 22 identifies all functions (S310) being introduced into equipment item 100.That is, screen generation unit 15 identifies all default features and corresponds to all functions of ordinary license and link license.

Screen generation unit 15 reads the icon image (S320) corresponding to these functions from assembly storage unit 24.Then this icon image is arranged on their respective position by screen generation unit 15, to produce function screen (S330).

When user presses icon, screen generation unit 15 check have not yet registered link License Info icon whether be pressed (S340).Specifically, the position that screen generation unit 15 is pressed based on function screen identifies icon, thus identifies the function be linked with this icon.Screen generation unit 15 then checks whether this function is associated with the user ID of the login user in user profile 21.

When the icon that link License Info is registered is pressed (being no in S340), the function be linked with this icon can be activated.Activate unit 16 thus activate the function (S350) be associated with the icon pressed by user.

When pressing the icon of the link License Info that has not yet registered (being yes in S340), the function be linked with this icon can not be activated.Activate unit 16 thus present above-mentioned message (S360).

Subsequently, determining unit 15 checks whether and presses " in detail " button (step S370).Such as, when not pressing " in detail " button (being no in S370), equipment item 100 does not take action, and returns step S330 pressing with detected icon.

When pressing " in detail " button (being yes in S370), screen generation unit 15 opens the guide (S380) buying license.As a result, the screen of display described in Figure 15.Utilize this layout, can the use of controlling functions on the basis of specific user, and do not change function screen.

[embodiment 1]

[when temporarily logging in the introducing of function and the setting of deletion timing]

As previously mentioned, equipment item 200 dynamically introduces function.To first provide equipment item 200 and introduce the description of the situation of function.

Figure 17 A and 17B is figure, which illustrates the state of equipment item 100 and 200.As Figure 17 A illustrates, user bbbb generally uses equipment item 100 at the 9th layer.According to the user profile 21 of the equipment item 100 on the 9th layer, user aaaa does not link License Info, and user bbbb has the link License Info of " XX function ".

The function being introduced into equipment item at the 9th layer is that default feature " copies ", ordinary license " mark " and link license " XX function ".User cccc and user dddd is classified as registered user by the user profile 21 of the equipment item 200 of the second layer, but user bbbb is not classified as registered user.Because user cccc and user dddd does not all have link License Info, therefore " XX function " is not also introduced into equipment item 200.

User bbbb logs in the equipment item 200 on the second layer, temporarily to use the equipment item 200 of the second layer.As previously mentioned, when receiving unregistered password in equipment item 200 and user ID " bbbb ", user ID is just sent to management server 700 by the equipment item 200 of the second layer.Equipment item 200 obtains user ID and password from management server 700, and obtains link License Info by user ID being sent to permit server 400.Illustrated by Figure 17 B, in this manner, user ID (such as, aaaa), password are (such as, 12345) and link License Info (such as, XX function) be registered in the user profile 21 of the equipment item 200 being arranged in the second layer.

Further, function is introduced unit 12 and XX function is introduced into the equipment item 200 being positioned at the second layer as previously mentioned, causes the function title of XX function, license type and is registered in closing time in device configuration information 22.

Because the equipment item 200 of the second layer is only temporarily used by user bbbb, therefore introduced XX function need not be preserved ambiguously.Thus equipment item 200 receives the setting of instruction for the timing of sweep equipment item 200 from user bbbb.

Figure 18 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of the screen of the timing for arranging automatic delete function.When being introduced unit 12 by function and introducing function, delete timing receipt unit 27 and point out user bbbb that the timing of automatically deleting is set.Delete timing receipt unit 27 and first inquire whether user bbbb will perform automatic deletion.

Screen 1 in Figure 18 illustrates following message:

" during login, check the license be linked with this user.The linking functions found not yet is introduced into this equipment, and is automatically introduced now.Please make following setting:

-due to the temporary transient character of this login, therefore after the schedule time (can arrange), will this function be introduced into of release; Or

-the function of will not delete this and be introduced into.

* recommend: if this login is temporary transient, then next (deletion) this function of release is set in detail by specifying.”

The equipment item 200 discussed is not the equipment item 100 that user uses usually, but this user uses equipment item 200 with may tending to related frequency.In this case, in order to avoid unnecessary deletion and the automatic introducing unnecessary when logging in subsequently, user bbbb can select " not deleting ".In this case, this function be automatically introduced into is not deleted, can use XX function immediately when user then logs in after logging off.

When temporary transient login is not so frequent, for user bbbb after logging off delete function may be no problem.In this case, user selects " deleting according to arranging appointment ".When considering resource, also such selection can be made.

When user bbbb selects " deleting according to arranging appointment ", equipment item 200 receives instruction and deletes by the setting of the timing of the function automatically introduced.Delete the screen 2 that the display of timing receipt unit 27 illustrates as Figure 18.In the screen 2 of Figure 18, user can select timing from " when logging off ", " tomorrow (24:00 point deletion today) " and " arranging in detail: appointed day and time ".

For user bbbb, can during current login sessions, use XX function to be enough, and may not plan to use XX function afterwards.In this case, user bbbb can select " when logging off ".Utilize this layout, the resource of releasing arrangement item 200 at once after logging off.

May be this situation: once user bbbb logs in equipment item 200, user bbbb just whole day can use equipment item 200 off and on.In this case, user can select " tomorrow " instead of " when logging off ".Select " when logging off ", each user bbbb logs in, and this function is introduced into automatically, and each user bbbb logs off, and this function is deleted.Select " tomorrow ", can avoid repeating to introduce and delete.When user bbbb selects " tomorrow ", at the end of automatically introducing this sky of this function, equipment item 200 deletes this function at once.

Further, when planning temporarily to use equipment item 200 in the time period on many in the situation such as to go on business, user bbbb can select " arranging in detail ".In this case, user can from option date and time the screen being separated display.

When user selects, screen carry out changing thus delete timing receipt unit 27 show Figure 18 illustrate screen 3.Screen 3 illustrates following message:

" complete to delete and arranged.The function be temporarily introduced into regularly is deleted by according to appointment.

※ note that the login of this login arranges successfully, and this may cause not performing deletion when the user linked with this function logs in.”

The meaning represented by last sentence starting from " please noting " will be described later.

Figure 19 is a width figure, schematically illustrates and deletes timing.In Figure 19, the process of description time together with multiple ellipse.Each ellipse representation a period of time, at this section of time durations, the link licensing function of introducing is available.

Oval E1 represents a period of time, and at this section of time durations, select " when logging off " as when deleting timing when user, the function of introducing is available.End and the time consistency of logging off of oval E1.Oval E2 represents a period of time, and at this section of time durations, select " tomorrow " as when deleting timing when user, the function of introducing is available.The end of oval E2 and the end in this sky (such as, May 18) consistent.Oval E3 represents a period of time, at this section of time durations, selects " arranging in detail " as deletion timing and when arranging date and time, the function of introducing is available when user.The end of oval E3 and user's named date and time consistency.

After introducing the function having the license type allowing specific user's license, the timing automatic delete function that the equipment item 200 of above-mentioned present embodiment is specified according to user.As a result, when the equipment item 200 of introducing function prevents from introducing this function automatically, (exclusively) uses resource exclusively.

[multiple user has the situation that the link for same function is permitted]

In the description provided before, do not consider the fact: when user has the link license of a function, other user also can have the link license of this function.When multiple user has the link license of same function, may exist and delete optional this situation, or the situation of deleting timing change when arranging may be there is.Below, will specifically describe.

Figure 20 is a width figure, which illustrates the deletion timing when multiple user has the link license of same function.User bbbb is at the logging device item 200 in afternoon on May 18, thus device item 200 introduces XX function.When introducing, user bbbb selects " tomorrow " as deleting timing.That is, XX function will be deleted at 0:00 in morning May 19.

Then, for user pppp, occurred buying the license of XX function and temporarily using the needs of equipment item 200.User pppp is at the logging device item 200 in afternoon on May 18.Responsively, the user profile 21 of item 200 of updating the equipment, thus the link License Info by XX function register being user pppp.

The login action definable timing of user pppp, according to this timing, XX function is introduced into equipment item 200.But XX function is not yet deleted in afternoon 18 day May that user pppp logs in, and therefore need not introduce this function.

In this case, user pppp mono-logs in equipment item 200, deletes timing receipt unit 27 receives deletion timing setting from the screen that Figure 18 illustrates.User pppp selects " in detail arrange " as the timing of deleting XX function, and arrange May 21 the morning 0:00 as deletion regularly.

Deletion timing " 0:00 in morning May 19 " that user bbbb specifies is different from deletion timing " 0:00 in morning May 21 " that user pppp specifies.

When specifying different deletion timings to same function, function delete cells 18 preferably uses up-to-date deletion timing.Utilizing this layout, when multiple user wishes to use this function, the timing according to being specified by each user can being avoided to carry out delete function.The meaning represented by last sentence starting from " please noting " on the screen 3 of Figure 18 explanation that Here it is.

Subsequently, user dddd is in the license buying XX function afternoon on May 18.User dddd uses equipment item 200 usually.User dddd logged in equipment item 200 in the afternoon on May 18.Responsively, the user profile 21 of item 200 of updating the equipment, thus the link License Info by XX function register being user dddd.Equally in this case, XX function is not introduced into equipment item 200 (because it is introduced into).

Because user dddd uses equipment item 200 usually, therefore user dddd does not want to delete this function (that is, not wanting to arrange deletion timing), and thus selects " not the deleting " in Figure 18.

When there being the user not wanting to delete sharing functionality, equipment item 200 does not delete this function.Utilizing this layout, when there being the user wanting to use this function, avoiding the deletion of function.In order to know that this function is deleted in the timing may specified not in accordance with user, display starts from the above-mentioned sentence of " please noting ".

Delete the object of timing for the difference coordinating to be specified by each user, delete timing unit 27 storage and delete timing indicator 26.

Figure 21 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of deleting timing indicator 26.In deletion timing indicator 26, link License Info (that is, function title) is registered to the deletion timing arranged by each user.Function delete cells 18 determines whether delete this function and when delete this file with reference to deletion timing indicator 26.

Can note, even if when deleting timing and arriving, when this user keeps logging in, function delete cells 18 does not delete this function yet.Utilize this layout, regularly arrive even if specify to delete, user also can use this function while use equipment item 200.

Figure 22 is a width process flow diagram, which illustrates and is performed automatically to delete the process by the function automatically introduced by function delete cells 18.

Whether function delete cells 18 inspection has logs off (S410) the user of the user ID of deleting registration in timing indicator 26.When do not have user log off (being no in S410) time, owing to being unsuitable for deleting this function, therefore process illustrated in fig. 22 terminates.

When user logs off (being yes in S410), function delete cells 18 inspection arranges " not deleting " and whether is found to be the registered setting (S420) of deleting in timing indicator 26.When setting " not deleting " is that when registering setting (being yes in S420), because this function should be not deleted, therefore process illustrated in fig. 22 terminates.

When setting " not deleting " is not registered setting (being no in S420), function delete cells 18 reads up-to-date deletion timing (S430) from deletion timing indicator 26.Whether function delete cells 18 then checks from deleting the deletion timing of reading timing indicator 26 and arrives (S440).When deleting timing and arriving, function delete cells 18 just deletes this function (S450).

Utilize said process, even if when multiple user has the link license of same function, function delete cells 18 also suitably can adjust the timing of deleting this function.

[deleting the notice of timing]

After timing is deleted in appointment, deleting timing may be inharmonious, but can coordinate to delete timing when arranging and deleting timing.That is, when user will arrange the deletion timing of function (the deletion timing of this function is set up), function delete cells 18 can inquire whether user changes setting.This makes it possible to the deletion timing that effective use has been set up, and also makes it possible to defer to the intention arranging the user deleting timing.

Figure 23 is a width figure, which illustrates the deletion timing when multiple user has the license of same function.In fig 23, the description of the element identical with the element in Figure 20 will be omitted.In fig 23, wherein each user buys XX function and wishes that this function is according to identical with Figure 20 of the deleted pacing items of certain timing.

User bbbb arranges and deletes timing, thus this deletion timing is registered in deletion timing indicator 26.

Figure 24 A is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of deleting timing indicator 26.At this time point, only register the deletion timing arranged by user bbbb.

In fig 23, screen illustrated in fig. 18 is different from user pppp login to the screen shown during equipment item 200.When user pppp logs in, XX function has been introduced into equipment item 200.Thus the icon of instruction XX function is presented on screen.Eject mark 201 by the display of this icon.When user pppp selects this ejection to mark 201, screen described below will be shown.

Screen illustrates following message:

" XX function is introduced by login user.This introducing is only temporary transient, and XX function will according to following arrange deleted.

In 0:00 deletion on May 19.

If you agree to this set, please select " not changing setting ".If you want to change this setting, please select " change and arrange ".

If user pppp is no problem to already present deletion timing, then this user selects not arrange and deletes timing.If user has problem to already present deletion timing, then this user selects to arrange and deletes timing.Delete timing indicator 26 thus to comprise by the deletion timing being finally set to suitable deletion timing.

Delete timing receipt unit 27 and check whether the deletion timing by specifying afterwards should be registered in deletion timing indicator 26.User bbbb may wish until the 0:00 in morning on May 19 uses this function.In this case, if user pppp is allowed to accidentally or selects to arrange the deletion timing of instruction 6:00 in afternoon May 18, then the meaning of the deletion time set of being made by user bbbb is destroyed.

Consider this point, only when the deletion timing arranged afterwards is later than already present deletion timing, delete timing receipt unit 27 and upgrade deletion timing indicator 26.When 0:00 in morning May 21 is set to delete timing by user pppp as shown in figure 23, then deletes timing indicator 26 and be modified to the table illustrated in Figure 24 B.

Even if when upgrading, also preferably keep existing registered deletion timing.Until have registered the deletion timing arranged afterwards, only existing deletion timing is effective.But user pppp can delete the deletion timing arranged afterwards.If do not keep existing deletion timing in this case, then do not stay and delete timing, cause this function to apply load to resource.Consider this point, deletion timing receipt unit 27 only forbids existing deletion timing (illustrating with parenthesis) as Figure 24 B illustrates, and does not delete existing deletion timing.

In fig 23, when user dddd logs in equipment item 200, also show XX function and eject mark 201.When user dddd selects to eject mark 201, as shown in screen 1 illustrated in fig. 18, the Show Button " does not change setting " and button " change is arranged ".User dddd does not think delete function, thus phase credit household dddd selects " change and arrange ".

When the setting made afterwards is " not deleting ", delete timing receipt unit 27 by giving the setting made afterwards to upgrade deletion timing indicator 26 than the existing higher right of priority of timing of deleting.Therefore, delete timing indicator 26 and become the deletion timing indicator illustrated in Figure 24 C.

Figure 25 is a process flow diagram, which illustrating when coordinating to delete timing when arranging and deleting timing, being performed with the process of automatic delete function by function delete cells 18.

Deletion timing receipt unit 27 checks whether to be provided with deletes timing (step S510).When not arranging deletion timing (being no in S510), process proceeds to step S540.

When be provided with delete timing time (being yes in S510), delete timing receipt unit 27 check this deletion timing arranged afterwards before existing deletions regularly or this setting made afterwards be " not deleting " (S520).

When be not this deletion timing arranged afterwards this existing delete this situation before timing or be not the setting made afterwards be this situation of " not deleting " time (being no in S520), process proceeds to step S540.

When being this deletion timing arranged afterwards before this existing deletions timing or when this setting made afterwards is " not deleting " this situation (being yes in S520), deletion timing receipt unit 27 upgrades delete list (S530).

Function delete cells 18 then checks whether have the user being registered in the user ID of deleting in timing indicator 26 logs off (S540).When not having user to log off (being no in S540), owing to being unsuitable for deleting this function, the process therefore illustrated in Figure 25 terminates.

When user logs off (being yes in S540), whether function delete cells 18 inspection is registered in effective deletion timing of deleting in timing indicator 26 and arrives (S550).

When this deletion timing (being yes in S550) of arrival, function delete cells 18 deletes this function (S560).

Until this deletion timing arrives (being no in S550), delete timing receipt unit 27 and check whether this deletion timing is deleted (step S570) by from deletion timing indicator 26 always.

When deleting timing and being deleted from deletion timing indicator 26 (being yes in S570), by making the up-to-date deletion timing in the deletion timing except deleted deletion timing effective, deletion timing receipt unit 27 upgrades deletes timing indicator 26 (S580).

Utilize above-described process, even if when multiple user has the link license of same function, function delete cells 18 also suitably can adjust timing for deleting this function to reflect user view.

[embodiment 2]

About the first embodiment, provide the description of this layout, by this layout, for deleting the time, named date and time etc. that can be set to log off by the deletion of the function automatically introduced timing.These embodiments are identical with being specified timing by date and time.But, arrange by specifying the other factors being different from date and time and delete timing.In this embodiment, the description of the setting of dissimilar deletion timing will be provided.

Figure 26 is a width figure, which illustrates the embodiment of the screen receiving the setting of deleting timing.In fig. 26, the description of the screen identical with the screen of Figure 18 will be omitted.In fig. 26, screen 2A is different from screen 2 illustrated in fig. 18.That is, compared with the embodiment illustrated with Figure 18, three projects, namely " use the number of times of this function ", " next time one activate " and " being associated with user profile " are additionally provided as option.

Project " uses the number of times of this function " and is used to the button of display screen, by this button, arranges to activate and is permitted to the number of times of the function of user by link license.User can arrange the number of such as 10,20 etc. and so on.When the number of times that this function has been activated become equal specify activate number time, function delete cells 18 according to such as log off timing and so on suitable timing delete this function.

Project " next time one is activated " is for arranging the button deleting timing, thus when making next activated equipment item 200, function delete cells 18 deletes this function.

It is for becoming deleting time set by user, by keeper or the button in moment (that is, the suitable timing of specifically such as to log off and so on when deleting user profile 21) being deleted user profile 21 by aut.eq. that project " is associated with user profile ".Because link License Info is registered in user profile 21, therefore function is introduced automatically.Due to this point, the deletion of user profile 21 will eliminate the needs preserving this function be introduced into.User profile 21 clearly can be deleted by user or keeper.Alternatively, user profile updating block 13 can delete the user profile 21 about not having the user logged in predetermined amount of time.

Figure 27 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of deletion timing indicator 26 according to the present embodiment.Relatively based on date and time setting and based on the number of times of using function setting with determine which first be difficult.Be equally applicable to this situation: delete timing receipt unit 27 and make decision when receiving the arranging of deletion timing indicator 26 be used for as Figure 23 explanation.Consider this point, delete timing receipt unit 27 and allow in deletion timing indicator 26, arrange all deletion timings of being specified by user.When all conditions of specifying in satisfied deletion timing indicator 26, function delete cells 18 deletes this function.

In figure 27, user bbbb specifies " 0:00 in the morning on May 19 ", and user pppp specifies " maximum times is 10 ", and user eeee specifies " when next time is activated ", and user ffff specifies " being associated with user profile ".When meeting all these conditions, function delete cells 18 deletes XX function.

Figure 28 is a process flow diagram, which illustrates and is performed automatically to delete the process by the function automatically introduced by function delete cells 18.

First function delete cells 18 reads with predetermined periodic intervals and deletes timing indicator 26 (S610).Function delete cells 18 checks whether and meets all conditions (step S620) be registered in deletion timing indicator 26.All meet (being no in S620) if not all conditions, then the process illustrated in Figure 28 terminates.

When relating to the registered all conditions deleting timing and all meeting (being yes in S620), then function delete cells 18 checks whether user logs off (S630).When user logs off (being yes in S630), function delete cells 18 deletes this function (S640).

As mentioned above, the equipment item 200 of present embodiment allows to arrange based on the factor being different from date and time to delete timing, thus can receive the various types of settings about deleting timing.

[embodiment 3]

In the first and the second embodiments, by carrying out delete function to up-to-date deletion timing accord priority.If have the user usually using equipment item 200, but this user thinks preferably not delete this function.In this case, if user needs " not deleting " of selecting as Figure 18 illustrates, be then troublesome for user.

In this embodiment, equipment item 200 is arranged so that user need not select " not deleting ".

Below, situation about describing in conjunction with Figure 20 will be adopted.User bbbb and user pppp only uses equipment item 200 on temporary transient basis, and user dddd generally uses equipment item 200.Therefore, the user profile 21 about user dddd is registered in equipment item 200 always.If the user ID of login user is registered in user profile 21, then user profile updating block 13 does not upgrade user profile 21.Below, by searching user's information updating block 13, whether executed upgrades function delete cells 18, understands fully that usually whether user dddd uses equipment item 200.Alternatively, the date and time of user ID registration is registrable in user profile 21.If passed through since the registration date more than predetermined time length, then function delete cells 18 can determine that user uses equipment item 200 usually.

Figure 29 is a process flow diagram, which illustrates and is performed to upgrade the process of deleting timing indicator 26 by function delete cells 18.Figure 30 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of the transformation of deleting timing indicator 26.Before the process of Figure 29, what illustrated as Figure 11 performs the process introducing function.The part corresponding to the process that step S120 performs shown in Figure 29.Before the process of Figure 29, in the deletion timing indicator 26 that user bbbb and user pppp illustrates in fig. 30, be provided with respective deletion timing.

User dddd logs in (S710).Function delete cells 18 checks whether this login user is log in the user (S720) to this equipment regularly.Check foregoing.When this login user is not user (being no in S720) that log in regularly, function delete cells 18 is held fire.In this case, display is as the screen of Figure 18 explanation.

When login user is the user logged in regularly (being yes in S720), function delete cells 18 check whether link with this user ID link licensing function (S730).When be not linked with this user ID link licensing function time (being no in S730), the process illustrated in Figure 29 terminates.

When have link with this user ID link licensing function time (being yes in S730), function delete cells 18 is made setting to deletion timing indicator 26 and " is not deleted " (S740).As a result, delete timing indicator 26 and become the deletion timing indicator illustrated in the latter half of Figure 30.

In this manner, when linking licensing function and being introduced into the equipment item 200 that user ddd uses regularly, user can only by performing the deletion logging in and prevent function.Even if when the carrying out that the first half of deleting regularly as Figure 30 illustrates is arranged, the deletion of function also can be prevented.

[setting of " not deleting "]

Described by about present embodiment, when this function has been introduced into the equipment item 200 used by user's rule, function delete cells 18 can forbid delete function.But the equipment item 200 that this uses regularly if user is not everlasting uses this function, then this user may the idea of this function deleted bother.Thus preferred, to user about function delete cells 18 whether to the selection of deleting timing indicator 26 and arrange " not deleting ".

Figure 31 A is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of screen, and by this screen, user makes setting for whether allowing to arrange " not deleting " to deletion timing indicator 26.This on-screen-display messages " you want to forbid the automatic deletion linking licensing function " and "Yes" button and "No" button.

Such as, when selecting amendment user profile 21 in the item shown from initial setting up screen, above-mentioned screen is shown.Along with user selects "Yes" button, user profile updating block 13 makes the setting in user profile 21 " forbid deleting " effectively.

Figure 31 B is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of user profile 21.In this user profile 21, registrable setting " is forbidden deleting ".Forbidding the user of the user ID of " forbidding deleting " about having, not performing the step S740 in Figure 29, thus setting " not deleting " is not registered in deletion timing indicator 26 automatically.

Figure 32 is a process flow diagram, which illustrates and is performed to upgrade the process of deleting timing indicator 26 by function delete cells 18.Figure 32 is different from Figure 29 part and is to there is step (S735), in this step, function delete cells 18 inspection arrange " forbid delete " whether in user profile 21 by effectively (S735).

Function delete cells 18 indicates and determines whether to arrange " not deleting " in deletion timing indicator 26 with reference to arranging " forbidding deleting ".That is, when setting " is forbidden deleting " effectively (being yes in S735), function delete cells 18 is made setting to deletion timing indicator 26 and " is not deleted " as deletion timing.Further, when setting " is forbidden deleting " invalid (being no in S735), activation unit 16 is not made setting to deletion timing indicator 26 and " is not deleted " as deletion timing.

In this manner, user " can not delete " arrange for whether allowing automatically to make setting according to his/her hobby.

[embodiment 4]

When function delete cells 18 attempts delete function, the deletion of function may failure.This occurs in when equipment item 200 performs operation during delete function or does not perform when dump when logging off.In this case, preferred function delete cells 18 carry out second time attempt come delete function.If can be arranged by user for the timing of deleting, then user can arrange the timing that may obtain success and delete.

Figure 33 is a width figure, which illustrates the embodiment of the screen of the setting receiving the timing of deleting for second time.In fig. 33, user can select one or two timing of deleting as second time in " when next time is activated " and " through preset period ".In response to the scheduled operation performed by keeper, this screen can be deleted timing receipt unit 19 by second time and show.

Project " when next time is activated " is a button, and its time set being used for activate the next time of equipment item 200 attempts the timing of second time delete function as function delete cells 18.Project " through preset time period " is a button, and it is used for the end of closelying follow the preset time period after deleting unsuccessfully to be provided as the timing that function delete cells 18 attempts second time delete function.This preset time period can limit when carrier loader item 200, or can by Administrator.Such as, this preset time period can be 30 minutes, one hour etc.

Second time is deleted timing receipt unit 19 and this setting is registered in deletion timing indicator 26.Therefore, by only with reference to delete timing indicator 26, function delete cells 18 just detect delete timing and second time deletes timing.

Figure 34 is a process flow diagram, which illustrates and is performed to attempt deleting by the process of the function automatically introduced for the second time by function delete cells 18.

Function delete cells 18 indicates deletion timing indicator 26 to check whether the timing of deleting for second time arrives (S810).

When the timing of deleting for second time arrives (being yes in S810), function delete cells 18 checks whether all deletions timings limited in deletion timing indicator 26 all meet (S832).When not every deletion timing all meets (being no in S820), owing to not needing to delete this function, the process therefore illustrated in Figure 34 terminates.

When relating to all conditions deleting timing and all meeting (being yes in S820), function delete cells 18 checks whether deletes correlation function (S830).That is, function delete cells 18 indicating equipment configuration information 22 checks whether the function that all deletion timing condition all meet still is retained in device configuration information 22.

If this function not yet deleted (being yes in S830), then function delete cells 18 deletes the function (S840) arriving and delete timing.In this manner, even if when repeatedly all deleting this function, function delete cells 18 also can the not failure in final delete function.

Equipment item 200 according to the present embodiment, when not failed, deletes the function having arrived and deleted timing, thus releasing resource.

[embodiment 5]

About first to fourth embodiment, be given by and determine to delete timing with the description of the equipment item of delete function with reference to deleting timing indicator 26.Present embodiment concentrates on the equipment item not using and delete timing indicator 26.

Supposing that user only operates an equipment item 200 in any specific moment of time, is enough for specific function being incorporated into an equipment item.In the present embodiment, user logs in equipment item 100, and in response to this, user is that the function delete cells 18 of another equipment item 200 of A non logged-on user deletes this function.

Figure 35 is a width figure, the schematically operation of devices illustrated item 200, and it adopts the deletion timing consistent with the login timing in another equipment item.

(1) XX function has been introduced into equipment item 100.

(2) user logs in equipment item 200.

(3) equipment item 200 is by the equipment item 100 of multiple access communication notice login.

(4) equipment item 100 detects user's login to equipment item 200, thus deletes XX function.If there is another user to use XX function at equipment item 100 place, then function delete cells 18 does not delete XX function.If user uses equipment item 100 regularly, then can apply restriction not allow to delete XX function.

(5) if XX function is not yet introduced into, then equipment item 200 introduces XX function.

(6) after the work at finishing equipment item 200 place, user logs in equipment item 100.

(7) equipment item 100 notifies the equipment item 200 of this login by multiple access communication.

(8) equipment item 200 detects user's login to equipment item 100, thus deletes XX function.If there is another user to use XX function at equipment item 200 place, then function delete cells 18 does not delete XX function.If user uses equipment item 200 regularly, then can apply restriction not allow to delete XX function.

Utilize this layout, user need not arrange when function being introduced equipment item 200 and delete timing, which eliminates the demand to deleting timing indicator 26.

Figure 36 is a process flow diagram, which illustrates and performs process with delete function by function delete cells 18.When user logs in, user authentication unit 11 receives logging request (S910) from user.During success identity, by performing multiple access transmission (S920), login reporting unit 17 sends login and is reported to network.Log in the user ID that report comprises login user.

Function delete cells 18 monitors whether have received login report (S930) by network from another equipment item.

When have received login report (being yes in S930), function delete cells 18 checks whether and finds that the user ID be included in login report is the registration entries in user profile 21, and also checks whether that discovery link License Info is log-on message (S940).

When user ID be not in user profile 21 register ID time or when to link License Info be not log-on message (being no in S940), then need not delete function.

When being included in the user ID logged in report and being found as registration entries in user profile 21, and when link License Info is found as (being yes in S940) during log-on message, function delete cells 18 is read as and relevant to user ID links License Info and all titles (S950) of function of registering.

Function delete cells 18 then checks whether the interested function title registered is associated (S960) with the user ID of another user.The fact that function title is associated with the user ID of another user indicates this user can use this function, and this means that the deletion of this function may not be preferred.

Function delete cells 18 only deletes the function (S970) having the register name do not associated with another user ID.During deletion, function delete cells 18 is updated the equipment configuration information 22 (S980).

As mentioned above, the equipment item 200 of present embodiment can delete function, and does not require that user specifies and delete timing.When user temporarily logs in equipment item 200, this function will do not deleted from equipment item 200, except non-user logs in subsequently to equipment item 100.Therefore, user can the cycle uses this function at any time, its be go on business period some hours or some skies.

[variation]

With reference to not using the situation of deleting timing indicator 26 to describe present embodiment.Alternatively, first to fourth embodiment can be similar to and use deletion timing indicator 26.In this case, screen shows message and " logs in and report ", on the screen, carry out the setting of deleting timing, thus allow user to use the setting logging in and report as deleting timing.

Figure 37 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of the screen receiving the setting of deleting timing.In Figure 37, the description of the screen identical with the screen of Figure 26 will be omitted.In Figure 37, screen 2B is different from screen 2 illustrated in fig. 18, and illustrates that setting " when receiving login report " is as new optional setting.

When user selects to arrange " when receiving long report ", deletion timing unit 27 will be arranged, and " when receiving login report " is registered to and deletes in timing indicator 26.When date, maximum activation number of times and when all meeting with the condition of the user information correlation arranged by other user, when receiving login report from another equipment item 100, function delete cells 18 delete function.The process of delete function is identical with the process illustrated in Figure 28.

[embodiment 6]

The first to the five embodiment can select the situation of " not deleting " to be described with reference to user.But although these functions are seldom by the fact used, a large number of users can be selected " not deleting ", thus causes the wasting of resources.In the present embodiment, while permission user selects " not deleting ", equipment item 200 limits the number of the function be introduced into.

When function will be introduced into the equipment item 200 frequently used by user, any restriction is not applied to the number of the function introducing equipment item 200.Only when function will be introduced into the equipment item 200 temporarily used by user, the introducing of reply function applies restriction.Consider this point, only when user introduces the equipment item 200 that function temporarily uses to this user, present embodiment concentrates on the equipment item 200 of the number limiting the function be introduced into.

Figure 38 is a width figure, which illustrates the profile of device systems 600.User logs in equipment item 200, and therefore equipment item 200 starts to introduce XX function, and for XX function, this user has link license.

Whether miscellaneous equipment item 100A to the 100C of equipment item 200 query facility system 600 temporarily introduces XX function.In Figure 38, equipment item 100A and 100B has the XX function temporarily used, and equipment item 100B does not have.Thus in change system 600 XX function add up to 2.

The copy number that can be introduced into the specific function of the equipment item in device systems 600 is designated as maximum number.In Figure 38, maximum number is 3.Equipment item 200 detects and is less than maximum number by the number of the function temporarily introduced, thus determines XX function to introduce equipment item 200.In this manner, device systems 600 can limit generally by the number of the function temporarily introducing device systems 600.

Device systems 200 also sends user ID to equipment item 100A to the 100C in device systems 600, to inquire about the number of the login performed by user.Because each maintenance user log in history in equipment item 100A to 100C is as daily record, therefore they send data to equipment item 200, and these data indicate the login number performed by user in the previous year etc.

Equipment item 200 is also extracted from its local daily record and is logged in number, thus equipment item 200 can determine that whether equipment item 200 is only by user's temporary.When at least one in equipment item 100A to 100C has the login number (being greater than predetermined number) exceeding the number signing in device systems 200, equipment item 200 determines equipment item 200 only by user's temporary.

When user selects to arrange " not deleting ", it is likely that equipment item 200 is used regularly by user.Therefore, based on user, whether can selecting, " not deleting " is set and make the decision whether used regularly by user about equipment.

Figure 39 is a width figure, which illustrates and receives a kind of embodiment that instruction can introduce the screen of the setting of the number of the function of device systems 600.In response to the scheduled operation performed by keeper, this screen can be shown by maximum number receiving element 25.The screen illustrated in the first half of Figure 39 shows message " please arrange the maximum number of the copy of the identical function can introducing device systems " and the several destination fields for arranging function of two types.

Keeper is by directly specifying number or passing through to specify " n (integer) of the number of equipment item doubly " that be connected to network to arrange the maximum number can introduced to the copy of the identical function of device systems.As rule, the number being connected to the equipment item 100 and 200 of network is larger, and the number (namely copying) can introducing function should be larger.What utilize latter event as mentioned above arranges type, and user can arrange the proper number can introducing function, and does not calculate the number of equipment item 100 and 200.

The maximum number that screen is specified should be shared by each equipment item.When having received maximum number, maximum number receiving element 25 is sent by multiple access and maximum number is sent to miscellaneous equipment item.Identical maximum number is then kept in HDD 133 grade by the maximum number receiving element 25 of each equipment item.

Screen display shown in the first half of Figure 39 button " selects the function that will delete ".Keeper presses the button " selecting the function that will delete ", and this screen causing the latter half of Figure 39 to illustrate is shown.Function delete cells 18 receives from this screen the setting that instruction is used for selecting the method wanting deleted function.The method no matter used, is only deleted by the function temporarily introduced.

Function delete cells 18 is selected to want deleted function according to the system of selection selected from following method:

A () is selected be introduced into the function be finally introduced in the function of miscellaneous equipment item;

B () selects the function that frequency of utilization is minimum in the function being introduced into miscellaneous equipment item; And

C () by clearly selecting to select a function from the function being introduced into miscellaneous equipment item.

Keeper can select any system of selection from three kinds of methods (a) to (c).On selection screen, "Yes" button and the often kind method of "No" button in method (a) to (c) show.

After being transmitted by multiple access selected method is sent to miscellaneous equipment item, function delete cells 18 receives and preserves the selection made by keeper.Responsively, identical system of selection is kept in HDD etc. by the function delete cells 18 of each equipment item.This makes it possible in each equipment item, use the same procedure selecting to want deleted function.

Figure 40 is a width figure, which illustrates a kind of embodiment of device configuration information 22.In each equipment item, in order to implement system of selection (a) and (b), device configuration information 22 comprises " date and time of introducing " and " frequency of utilization of the previous year ".Each equipment item is registration " date and time of introducing " when introducing function, and during each mobilizing function, activates the counting that unit 16 increases instruction " frequency of utilization of the previous year ".

In the present embodiment, when user temporarily uses equipment item 200, the function number introduced is compared with maximum number.Thus preferably count by the number of the function temporarily introduced.In order to this object, the instruction by whether " temporarily introduced " for each function is registered in device configuration information 22 discretely.

When this equipment of login user temporary, " ※ " is registered in the field of " temporarily introducing " of introduced function by equipment item 100A to 100C and 200.Utilize this layout, equipment item 100A to 100C and 200 identifiable design are introduced in function by the function temporarily introduced all.If there is another user to use correlation function on a regular basis, in field that then symbol " ※ " is not registered in " temporarily introducing ".

Figure 41 is a process flow diagram, which illustrates the process of delete function.This process and then Figure 11 illustrate " automatically introducing function " process in step S100 before perform.It is enough for will performing this process when introducing function.Therefore perform this process when introducing function, and no matter this function introduces whether automatic or manual performs.

Before introducing function, function delete cells 18 needs the copy number be introduced into obtaining the function that will be introduced into from miscellaneous equipment item.In order to this object, function delete cells 18 inquires about other equipment item 100A to 100C about by the number (S1010) of the number of copy (function) temporarily introduced and the login performed by associated login user.If equipment item 100A to 100C indicates the function that will be introduced into temporarily to be introduced, device configuration information 22 sends " 1 ", and also sends the login number that performed by user to query facility.

Whether just function delete cells 18 then checks user's temporary transient logging device item 200 (S1020) based on the number logged in.When user not yet temporarily logs in equipment item 200 (being no in S1020), due to need not the introducing of limitation function, the process therefore illustrated in Figure 41 terminates.After this, this function is introduced into according to step S100 illustrated in fig. 11.

When user temporarily logs in (being yes in S1020) during equipment item 200, in order to limit the number of the function be introduced into, function delete cells 18 adds up to the number (S1205) received from all miscellaneous equipment items.

Whether function delete cells 18 check total arrives maximum number (S1030).

When sum does not arrive maximum number (being no in S1030), owing to not needing delete function, the process therefore illustrated in Figure 41 terminates.After this, function is introduced according to step S100 illustrated in fig. 11.

When sum arrives maximum number (being yes in S1030), in order to delete this function, function delete cells 18 reads the designation method of the function selecting to want deleted.When the method selecting to want deleted function is preceding method (c), function delete cells 18 shows the list of miscellaneous equipment item 100A to the 100C being introduced into the function wanting deleted on guidance panel, thus prompting user makes a choice.

When the method selecting to want deleted function is preceding method (a), function delete cells 18 asks the information (S1050) about " date and time of introducing " from miscellaneous equipment item 100A to the 100C being introduced into the function wanting deleted.When the method selecting to want deleted function is preceding method (b), function delete cells 18 asks the information (S1050) about " frequency of utilization " from miscellaneous equipment item 100A to the 100C being introduced into the function wanting deleted.Can note, device configuration information 22 is also compared.

Based on asked information, the function having up-to-date " date and time of introducing " in miscellaneous equipment item or the function having minimum " frequency of utilization " in miscellaneous equipment item are identified, and the equipment having the function be identified be selected as will the equipment (S1060) of therefrom delete function.When method (c), the function of another deleted equipment item to select to identify by user.

Afterwards, function delete cells 18 asks this function of selected unit deletion (S1070).In this manner, the function delete cells 18 of another equipment item can delete this function.After this, function is introduced into according to step S100 illustrated in fig. 11.

As mentioned above, even if when user wants to select " not deleting ", the equipment of present embodiment also can limit the number can introducing function.

Further, the invention is not restricted to these embodiments, but can not depart from the scope of the present invention and make different change and amendment.

Claims

1. an image processing system, in this image processing system, allows to activate the program providing function according to License Info, described License Info represents that the user of active program is authorized to carry out active program, and this image processing system comprises:

Logging in receiving unit, logging in for accepting user;

Program storage unit (PSU), for storage program;

Function introduces unit, for securing permission from external source to the specific program of unique user and the License Info about described specific program, and for being saved in program storage unit (PSU) by described specific program;

User information storage unit, for preserving user profile, this user profile comprises the License Info about described specific program being introduced unit preservation by function, and described License Info is associated with the user ID of the unique user in user profile;

Delete timing receipt unit, for receiving the setting of deleting timing, the specific program being introduced unit preservation by function is deleted from program storage unit (PSU) in described deletion timing; And

Delete cells, for when being arrived by the deletion timing of deleting the reception of timing receipt unit, deletes the specific program being introduced unit preservation by function from program storage unit (PSU),

Wherein deleting the reception of timing receipt unit by deleting timing definition is the setting that unique user signs in the deletion timing of the timing of another equipment connected by network, and when receiving the user ID of unique user from another equipment described, delete cells deletes specific program from program storage unit (PSU).

2. image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein deletes the setting that timing receipt unit receives the deletion timing of specifying based on date and time.

3. image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein deletes timing receipt unit and receives and will delete the setting that timing definition is the deletion timing of the timing that unique user is logged off.

4. image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein deletes timing receipt unit and receives the setting representing and do not deleted described specific program by delete cells from program storage unit (PSU).

5. image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein delete timing receipt unit and receive the setting defining the deletion timing of deleting timing based on the maximum times activating specific program, and when the activation number of times of specific program exceedes described maximum times, delete cells deletes the specific program be kept in program storage unit (PSU).

6. image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein delete timing receipt unit to receive and will delete the setting that timing definition is the deletion timing activating the timing of image processing system next time, and when activating image processing system, delete cells deletes the specific program be kept in program storage unit (PSU).

7. image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein delete timing receipt unit to receive and will delete the setting that timing definition is the deletion timing of the timing of deleting user ID from user profile, and when deleting user ID from user profile, delete cells deletes specific program from program storage unit (PSU).

8. image processing system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 in one of claims, wherein delete the setting that timing receipt unit receives different deletion timings, and when meeting all deletions timing, delete cells deletes specific program from program storage unit (PSU).

9. image processing system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 in one of claims, wherein specific program is associated with another user ID comprised in user profile and is greater than predetermined amount of time, and no matter delete the fact that timing receipt unit has received the setting of deleting timing, delete cells does not delete specific program from program storage unit (PSU).

10. image processing system as claimed in claim 9, wherein deletes timing receipt unit and receives the setting representing and whether delete the specific program being greater than predetermined amount of time that to be associated with the user ID comprised in user profile.

11. image processing systems as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 in one of claims, wherein when activating image processing system, when the deletion failure of specific program, delete cells deletes the described specific program deleted timing and arrived.

12. image processing systems as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 in one of claims, wherein when the deletion failure of specific program, when schedule time past tense, delete cells deletes the described specific program deleted timing and arrived.

13. image processing systems as claimed in claim 11, comprise second time further and delete timing receipt unit, for when specific program deletion failure, receive second time delete timing setting, delete cells second time delete timing attempt second time delete specific function.

14. image processing systems as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 in one of claims, wherein delete cells from the one or more miscellaneous equipment requests connected by network about multiple information being introduced into program, and when the program sum being introduced in miscellaneous equipment exceedes predetermined number, ask a unit deletion program in described miscellaneous equipment.

15. image processing systems as claimed in claim 14, comprise number receiving element, further for receiving the setting of described predetermined number.

16. image processing systems as claimed in claim 14, the wherein date and time of delete cells request miscellaneous equipment report program introducing, and when the newest date that in described miscellaneous equipment report program introduces and time, ask a unit deletion program in described miscellaneous equipment.

17. image processing systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein delete cells request miscellaneous equipment report program frequency of utilization, and when the equipment of in described miscellaneous equipment has reported minimum program frequency of utilization, ask a unit deletion program in described miscellaneous equipment.

18. image processing systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein delete cells receives the instruction of that equipment of the requested delete program indicated described miscellaneous equipment from user.

19. image processing systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein delete cells receives the instruction of that equipment indicating requested delete program in described miscellaneous equipment, and the date and time that program is introduced is up-to-date equipment by this instruction, program frequency of utilization is minimum equipment or the equipment selected by user is designated as that equipment in described miscellaneous equipment.

20. image processing systems as claimed in claim 14, wherein delete cells request is reported in the multiple programs introduced in miscellaneous equipment by one or more miscellaneous equipments that network connects, and wherein unique user uses image processing system unlike use miscellaneous equipment frequently, and when the sum of the program be introduced into exceedes predetermined number, a unit deletion program in miscellaneous equipment described in delete cells request.

21. 1 kinds of image forming methods, allow to activate the program providing function according to License Info, described License Info represents that the user of active program is authorized to carry out active program, and the method comprises:

For accepting the steps A that user logs in;

For securing permission from external source to the specific program of unique user and the License Info about described specific program, and for described specific program being saved in the step B in program storage unit (PSU);

For preserving the step C of user profile, this user profile comprises the License Info about described specific program being introduced unit preservation by function, and described License Info is associated with the user ID of the unique user in user profile;

For receiving the step D of the setting of deleting timing, the specific program being introduced unit preservation by function is deleted from program storage unit (PSU) in described deletion timing; And

During for arriving when the deletion timing received by step D, from program storage unit (PSU), delete the step e being introduced the specific program that unit is preserved by function,

Wherein in step D, receiving deleting timing definition is the setting that unique user signs in the deletion timing of the timing of another equipment connected by network, and when receiving the user ID of unique user from another equipment described, delete specific program by step e from program storage unit (PSU).